Meta has started blocking users under 16 from accessing its social media platforms in Australia

Meta.png

Image from HR Asia

Meta has begun blocking users under 16 in Australia from accessing Instagram, Threads and Facebook. So, what should you know about it?

 

This is an ongoing process

For your information, this was done in preparation for the implementation of the youth social media ban law, which comes into effect on December 10, 2025. A Meta spokesperson said efforts to block underage accounts were ongoing and that the legal compliance process would be ongoing.

Meanwhile, Australia requires 10 major platforms, including TikTok and YouTube, to block users under the age of 16, with companies facing fines of up to A$49.5 million (~RM 209 million) if they fail to take reasonable steps.

Furthermore, the ban is expected to affect hundreds of thousands of teenagers, including an estimated 350000 Instagram users aged 13 to 15. However, some popular apps such as Roblox, Pinterest and WhatsApp are still exempt, while Twitch was only added less than two weeks ago.

Additionally, Meta stressed its commitment to complying with Australian law but suggested app stores should also be responsible for age verification. The company said the move would save teenagers from having to verify their age repeatedly across multiple apps.

 

The ban could backfire though

Besides that, YouTube criticised the ban because teenagers are more vulnerable because they can still browse the site without an account, but lose the safety filters. Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells rejected the argument and insisted that inappropriate content was the responsibility of the platforms.

In addition, she revealed a case of teenagers in Australia committing suicide due to social media algorithms that undermined self-esteem. However, she said that this law may not solve all the problems, but at least help teenagers become better themselves.

Meanwhile, digital rights group Digital Freedom Project is challenging the law in Australia's High Court on the grounds that it restricts freedom of expression. However, cybersecurity authorities have acknowledged that there is no effective solution, as teenagers have the potential to use fake identities to circumvent restrictions.

Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more updates.